A fresh crisis is brewing in the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the composition of the campaign council for the governorship candidate of the party, Honourable Agboola Ajayi for the November election.
The PDP leadership in the state has distanced itself from the list of members released by the spokesman of the party’s candidate, Samuel Ogunmusi, saying it is the responsibility of the party to announce the list of the campaign committee.
In the list, Dr Eddy Olafeso was named as the chairman of the party’s campaign council, while Deji Aseniserare was appointed as secretary of the council.
But the party, in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Kennedy Peretei, on Monday, distanced itself from the list, saying it did not emanate from its stable.
Peretei said the development negates the party’s constitution and agreement regarding the composition of the campaign council.
Peretei said: “The announcement by one Samuel Ogunmusi appointing persons to coordinate the campaigns of His Excellency, Agboola Ajayi for the November Election is not only embarrassing but a violation of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).
“The Articles 46(1) and 40(1)(a)(b) and (c) does not permit of such announcement coming from individuals not known to the party. To such an extent, all the supposed announcements are null, void and of no effect.
“Our party is an organised party and guided by rule of law. At the appropriate time, appointments for the local campaign Council will be made public”
Meanwhile, the PDP in the state said Honourable Tola Alabere remains the party’s acting chairman following the death of the former Chairman, Fatai Adams, saying no one has been elected to replace the late chairman.
Peretei statement reads: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State Chapter wishes to state that no State Chairman has been elected to replace the former Chairman, Alhaji Fatai Adams.
“The PDP Constitution 2017 as Amended has unambiguous provisions for replacement of officers due to death or removal. Article 47(6) of our Constitution is very clear.
Therefore, the purported congratulatory message, which has no author is fake, baseless, unconstitutional and crafted to create problems where there are none.
“For all intent and purposes, the fake Congratulatory Message is mutinous and a calculated attempt to undermine efforts at rallying support for the PDP Governorship Candidate, H.E Agboola Ajayi at the November election.
“The tenure of the present State Executive Committee of the party expires on 3rd August, 2024, those who are desirous of assuming responsibilities for party positions are advised to wait accordingly.”
ALSO READ: JAMB implements compulsory NIN requirement for NOUN candidates